Cervical Cancer and Specific Populations

The incidence and mortality rates for cervical cancer have leveled off during the past 40 years. With early detection through Papanicolaou (Pap) test screening, cervical cancer can be prevented. Minority populations and persons of low socioeconomic status, however, still have high incidence and mortality rates. The following information summarizes the main findings in the cervical cancer screening outreach literature and is organized by population or ethnic group. These summaries address some barriers to Pap tests screening and some strategies currently under study that may improve outreach to specific populations.

Asian American and Pacific Islanders

• Cambodian American
• Chinese American
• Filipino American
• Korean American
• Native Hawaiian
• Vietnamese American

Information Resources

• Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training*
• Asian Pacific American Network*
• Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice*
• Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations*
• Culture Clues*
  Patient and Family Education Services, University of Washington
  Tip sheets for clinicians designed to increase awareness about concepts and preference of patients from diverse cultures.
• EthnoMed*
  Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington
  The EthnoMed site contains information about cultural beliefs, medical issues, and other related issues pertinent to the health care of recent immigrants to Seattle.
• Intercultural Cancer Council (ICC)*
  ICC offers fact sheets that address African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, and rural poor/medically underserved.
• National Asian Women's Health Organization
  (415) 989-9747

*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.